Does the digital divide matter for short-term transportation policy outcomes? A spatial econometric analysis of Thailand

Digital technology has emerged as a public policy issue owing to its relevance in the dissemi-nation of policy information and geographical restrictions in light of the brief timeframe of short-term transportation policy (STTP) implementation. This study investigates the spatial dependence pattern of STTP outcomes and estimates the effects of the digital divide on such outcomes. The first car buyer policy (FCBP) in Thailand functioned as a real-world case study. We employ spatial econometric models using a dataset from Thailand in 2012. The results indicate the spatial dis-tribution of STTP outcomes with positive spatial autocorrelation across Thai provinces. The spatial distribution tended to be high-high in the central and eastern regions and Phang Nga Province, whereas it was primarily low-low in the northeast region and Yala Province. The results also revealed significant spatial outliers (low-high) in the Ang Thong Province. Moreover, the results of the spatial econometric estimations show that STTP outcomes in Thailand could be influenced by the Internet access divides of neighboring provinces within Thailand. Additionally, this study revealed that urbanization, age, income per capita, and labor force participation had positive spatial associations with STTP outcomes. These findings provide insights that can assist policymakers in formulating more effective STTPs in developing countries.